Sea Safety

As temperatures rise and people head outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather this weekend, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is reminding the public that while the air may feel warm, the water remains dangerously cold.

Marine apparel and safety equipment manufacturer Helly Hansen has announced a recall of several lifejacket and buoyancy aid models sold in Ireland after identifying manufacturing defects that could compromise buoyancy performance and increase the risk of drowning.

Ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend, Ireland’s key water safety agencies are urging the public to exercise caution when taking part in activities on or near the water, warning that cold water temperatures continue to pose a significant risk despite warmer weather conditions.

As Ireland approaches the summer season, Water Safety Ireland is urging the public to take greater care around waterways after new figures revealed a stark reality: most people who drown accidentally in Ireland never intended to enter the water.

As the May Bank Holiday weekend approaches, leading water safety organisations are urging the public to prioritise safety when visiting coastal areas or taking part in water-based activities.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Dún Laoghaire volunteer lifeboat crew responded to a tasking by the Coast Guard following reports of a swimmer in difficulty beyond the yellow buoys at Dún Laoghaire's Forty Foot swimming spot.

The volunteer crew from Howth RNLI launched their all-weather lifeboat into Storm Dave following a number of 999 calls reporting a kite surfer being blown offshore in strong winds and unable to return safely to shore.

Following a period of poor weather, storms and heavy rainfall, the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are reminding the public that checking weather and sea conditions is a critical first step before any coastal or water-based activity.

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI are jointly appealing to anyone planning a festive dip over the upcoming Christmas period, to be mindful of the potential risks and to put safety first.

Minister Seán Canney officially broke ground for the new Coast Guard Station in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. This project is a collaborative effort with the Office of Public Works (OPW), with Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran also participating in the ceremony.

As the bank holiday approaches, the Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) collectively urge the public to prioritise safety when engaging in water activities.

Aran Islands RNLI in partnership with An Garda Síochána & Aran Fire and Rescue held the first ever Emergency Services Day on Inis Mór.

Ahead of Storm Amy, which is set to bring wet and windy weather tomorrow (Friday 3 October) and Saturday, the RNLI is urging those near the coast or inland waterways to be aware of the dangers the stormy weather could bring.

Portaferry RNLI volunteer crew were paged at the request of Belfast Coastguard after a Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was activated close to Ardglass.

The Galway lifeboat station at the New Docks in Galway will hold an open day on Sunday 28 September from 11am to 4pm and everyone is welcome to visit the station, see the lifeboat and meet the crew.

Larne RNLI respond to report of a swimmer in difficulty close to Ballygally Beach in first shout as Coxswain for volunteer crew member Roy McMullan.

Kilkeel RNLI rescued two young paddleboarders after they got blown out to sea by strong offshore winds and an ebbing tide at Warrenpoint.

Crosshaven RNLI were requested to launch to a vessel that had broken it's mooring and was now deemed to be a danger to navigation.

Larne RNLI were requested to launch their Inshore Lifeboat and their All-Weather Lifeboat at the request of HM Coastguard after member of the public reported two swimmers in difficulty close to Ballygally Beach.

On Monday evening there was a flurry of activity on Belfast Lough when volunteer crews from Bangor, Donaghadee and Portaferrry RNLI came together with members of Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Ballyholme Yacht Club and Lagan Search and Rescue for a planned training exercise.